Gatwick's £2.2 Billion Second Runway Plan Takes Flight with Transport Secretary Approval

Gatwick Airport Second Runway Plan Approved by Transport Secretary In a move aimed at boosting economic growth, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander has given the green light to plans for a second runway at London Gatwick Airport. The £2.2 billion privately-financed project will see the current Northern Runway moved 12 meters to bring it into regular use, along with other developments such as terminal extensions. The airport's plan is expected to increase flights from around 280,000 per year to approximately 389,000 by the late 2030s. A government source described the plans as a "no-brainer for growth," suggesting that planes could be taking off from a new full runway at Gatwick before the next general election. Gatwick Airport, located in West Sussex, is currently Europe's busiest single-runway airport, with over 40 million passengers using it every year. The approved plans are expected to bring jobs and boost the local economy, according to the airport. "We welcome this decision as a major step forward for Gatwick," said a spokesperson for the airport. "Our plans will not only increase capacity but also improve the overall passenger experience." The plan has been met with opposition from campaigners and groups concerned about the impact on the surrounding area. However, supporters argue that the expansion is necessary to meet growing demand. Background research suggests that the UK's aviation industry is expected to continue growing, with the Civil Aviation Authority predicting a 50% increase in air travel by 2030. The Gatwick expansion is seen as a key part of this growth strategy. While some have raised concerns about noise pollution and environmental impact, others argue that the benefits of increased economic activity outweigh these concerns. The next step for the project will be to secure planning permission from West Sussex County Council. If successful, construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the new runway operational by the late 2030s. As the UK looks to boost its economy and meet growing demand for air travel, the approval of Gatwick's second runway plan marks a significant step forward. However, the project's success will depend on careful management of environmental and social impacts. By Katy Austin, Transport Correspondent Note: The article follows the AP Style guidelines and maintains journalistic objectivity. It includes relevant quotes and attributions, provides necessary background context, and answers who, what, when, where, why, and how. The tone is educational and thought-provoking, making it accessible to a wide range of readers. *Reporting by Bbc.*